By Elizabeth Ikegima & O.V.Collins

On Saturday, 3rd February, 2024, Junior Chamber International Nigeria, University of Benin (JCIN UNIBEN) partnered with the MATICE BENIN, UNIBEN SUG, ACJ UNIBEN, Rite Foods, Natural Eco Capital, amongst many other prominent organisations and student associations to hold one of the best and most impactful Clean-up days in the University of Benin, and a week later, students are still intrigued by the positive transformation it brought to the UNIBEN environment.

A 400-level student of Biochemistry, who preferred not to be named said, “Ever since the UNIBEN clean-up day on Saturday last week, I have observed that students have become environmentally conscious, and they avoid dropping refuse on the ground. It’s fascinating because even I am more concerned about littering the ground. I’d rather take my food wraps to the nearest waste bin or hold them until I get to the nearest waste bin before I dispose of them.”

The comprehensive clean-up drive convened at the famous Hall 2 car park, UNIBEN, brought together students, faculty members, and various campus organisations, emphasising not only the enhancement of the UNIBEN environment’s aesthetic appeal but also the importance of environmental responsibility. The non-profit organisation, headed by the President, Miss Michelle Oluwaseyi Fayeun, focuses on leadership development and growth of young people, and the event aimed to help clean up the campus while empowering students to make a difference in their community.

How it went down.

After a welcome address from one of the event organisers, participants were encouraged to participate in a social media challenge. They were asked to take selfies of the event and post them on their social media handles.

Following a brightly engaging social media challenge, Mr. Joshua Gabriel Oluwaseyi, a climate change activist, gave an introductory lecture. He defined climate change as the long-term shift in weather patterns and average temperatures, which is distinct from the more immediate issue of climate crisis or global warming. He said, “Climate change is natural; it’s meant to happen. However, climate crisis or global warming is not.” He explained that his passion for climate activism stemmed from his personal experience with air pollution and his desire to raise awareness about the issue.

The event also featured a series of discussions from other inspiring speakers who emphasised the importance and benefits of a clean environment, as well as games, a raffle draw, and other amazing activities.

After the seminars, the main event — the clean-up began. The crowd was divided into five teams, each with a team leader. The teams were assigned to different locations on campus, where they were to collect and dispose of trash responsibly.

A 400-level student of the Department of Philosophy, Treasure Kambia, aired her view concerning the event, “Apparently, the Uniben Clean Up Day is a great outlet for awareness and sensitisation for environmental health. It is quite an exposure to the surroundings and knowing how, in one way or another, we are being affected, directly or indirectly,” she said. Also speaking, she described the event as an impactful one that should be encouraged in subsequent times, “Well, the Uniben Clean Up Day exercise, in no little way, has exposed a lot of persons who were part of the exercise to various habits which have been harmful to society and how we can stop that from happening. As well as knowing that our little efforts in helping our environment, which could be in a minor way of properly disposing of trash and plastics, can save our society.”

The Vice President Projects JCIN UNIBEN, Mr Oghenetega Divine Ukeghe, spoke to our reporter on the challenges faced while organising this event, as well as the most rewarding part. “There were a lot of challenges; first off, it was the issue of getting sponsorship and partnership. We had to send a lot of letters and mails; to different organisations, close to about 150. Also, we had to partner with almost all faculties in Uniben. Additionally, we had a challenge with getting a venue since the Uniben authority had already banned any social activities. So, seeking approval from authorities at Hall 2 car park; which is like the central location of the school, wasn’t an easy one. In fact, the whole process of making this a success was a very challenging one.”

Speaking to our correspondent, Ediae Jennifer, the Director of Socials at JCIN UNIBEN described the clean-up day as one of its kind. “Of course, this is not the first time JCI is organising something like this in UNIBEN, but this is also one of its kind. This time around, we’re pulling out over 1000 volunteers to help us with the clean-up, and this has been amazing so far. As you can see, trash has been picked, and we have cleaned up the school. The school is clean and beautiful. We have a Director of Community Projects, Director Malumi Adeboye, and also the Deputy Director of that department, Deborah Ogechi Okereke,” she said. She also admonished UNIBEN Students to ensure they dispose of trash properly. “Stay clean, keep your environment clean, please sort out your trash and dispose of waste properly,” Jennifer added.

Other partners which JCIN UNIBEN collabrated with to ensure maximum participation and success in this event include the Plogging Nigeria Club University of Benin, Nigerian Red Cross Society, UNIBEN Detcahment; Benin University Dental Students Association (Paragonic Excos); Man O’ War Club University of Benin; Law Students Association (Nova Executives), University of Benin; Education Students Association of Nigeria (Synergy Executives); National Association of Life Sciences Students; amongst others.

Also present at the event, was the Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Benin, Prof. Clement Atewe Ighodaro. Addressing the students, he said, “Keeping your environment clean is one thing that is dear to my heart. There is one thing you must know; even if you eat the best food in the world, if your environment is filthy, it’s as if you have not done anything about your health. So please, I want to appreciate you once again. I want to thank you for all your efforts because if you look at this heap of garbage, I can only imagine how much it would cost the management or the school entirely to deal with that, and you’re doing this with the whole of your hearts. I’ll say thank you once again, and God bless you. I wish you success in whatever you are doing.” Prof. Ighodaro also advised the organisers of the event to avoid playing music at a very high volume so as not to disturb students in the hostel.

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